The construction and renovation project of 152 crop protection dams of Haor in Netrakona is in progress. The average progress of ongoing work is 20 percent. However, 26 projects have not started even after one month of the scheduled start time.
Farmers say that if the dam work is not completed within the stipulated time, the crops of the Haor area will be at risk of early floods.
According to Water Development Board (WDB) sources, the construction of the Haor crop protection dam is scheduled to start by December 15 and be completed by February 28. Before this, the Project Implementation Committee (PIC) should be formed by November 30 and the work of determining the project should be finalized by October 30. However, the water receding slowly delayed the finalization of the project. Although the PIC has been formed, it has not been possible to start the work of all the sections due to water.
According to sources, there are about 365 km of submerged (temporary) dams under WDB in the district. About 45,000 hectares of boro crops of local farmers depend on these dams. All the family expenses of the farmers throughout the year, medical treatment, children's education, rituals, and everything depends on it. 178 PICs have already been formed in the district for the construction and renovation of dams.
Work on 13 projects in Khaliajuri Upazila has not yet started. Upazila Nirbahi Officer M Rokibul Hasan said that work on eight new projects yesterday and the remaining five projects are scheduled to start today.
District WDB Executive Engineer Sarwar Jahan said all preparations are in place. As soon as the water dries up, work will be started quickly. It will be possible to complete the renovation work within the specified time. Last year, 206 PICs were set up in the district at a cost of Tk 37.81 crore. This year 28 PICs were reduced due to less dam damage. The cost of 178 PICs for the construction of a 156 km dam has been estimated at Tk 33 crore 56 lakh.
ARS
